Airport Baggage Agent Job Description & Salary Information
Job Duties
The main responsibility of a baggage agent is to assist passengers with baggage pickup and resolve issues with delayed, lost, or damaged items. Typically, baggage agents work in an office setting, but deal almost entirely with the general public. Agents respond to passenger concerns both in person and over the phone, and must fill out forms according to the nature of the incident. Baggage agents utilize computer software to track and catalogue luggage. This helps to efficiently resolve problems and maintain customer relations when luggage is late, lost, or damaged.
Job Qualifications
Baggage agent qualifications include a high school diploma as well as highly developed interpersonal skills. Agents must be able to stay calm in stressful situations and diplomatically deal with distressed passengers. Training will generally be provided in order to familiarize new employees with the airline’s scheduling and baggage tracking systems, but basic understanding of computer operation is desirable.
Salary & Compensation
The average starting wage for an airline baggage agent rests between $8.00 and $11.00 an hour. On average, an airline baggage agent earns about $13.00 an hour. Experienced baggage agents may earn an annual salary from $35,000 to $38,000 per year. Pay rates vary depending on location and employer. In addition to monetary compensation, airline baggage agents may also earn generous work benefits, such as 401(k) retirement plans, healthcare coverage, and paid time off.
